Consider a system of three connected strings, S1,S2 and S3 with uniform linear mass densities μkg/m, 4μkg/m and 16μkg/m, respectively, as shown in the figure. S1 and S2 are connected at the point P, whereas S2 and S3 are connected at the point Q, and the other end of S3 is connected to a wall. A wave generator O is connected to the free end of S1. The wave from the generator is represented by y=y0cos(ωt−kx)cm, where y0,ω and k are constants of appropriate dimensions. Which of the following statements is/are correct:
(A)When the wave reflects from P for the first time, the reflected wave is represented by y=α1y0cos(ωt+kx+π)cm, where α1 is a positive constant.✓ Correct
(B)When the wave transmits through P for the first time, the transmitted wave is represented by y=α2y0cos(ωt−kx)cm, where α2 is a positive constant.
(C)When the wave reflects from Q for the first time, the reflected wave is represented by y=α3y0cos(ωt−kx+π)cm, where α3 is a positive constant.
(D)When the wave transmits through Q for the first time, the transmitted wave is represented by y=α4y0cos(ωt−4kx)cm, where α4 is a positive constant.✓ Correct
Answer: (A), (D)
Solution
Wave propagation constant: k∝μ
(A) At P, wave goes from rarer (μ) to denser (4μ) medium. Reflection from denser medium introduces a phase change of π:
yr=α1y0cos(ωt+kx+π)
✓
(B) Transmitted wave at P: k1=kμ4μ=2k
yt=α2y0cos(ωt−2kx)
✗ (not −kx)
(C) Reflected wave at Q: The incident wave has k1=2k, so:
yr=α3y0cos(ωt+2kx+π)
✗ (not −kx)
(D) Transmitted wave at Q: k2=2k4μ16μ=4k
yt=α4y0cos(ωt−4kx)
✓
JEE Advanced · 2025 · 18 May 2025 · Paper 1 · One or more correct options